**Delhi Experiences Coldest December Day Since 2020 with Rain Forecast**
Delhi faced its coldest December day since 2020 on Wednesday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted light rain for New Year’s Day. The capital and various regions across India are currently experiencing cold day conditions and dense fog. The biting chill enveloped the city, with maximum temperatures plummeting to 14.2 degrees Celsius, which is 6.2 degrees below the seasonal average. This marks the lowest daytime temperature recorded in December since 2020, while the minimum temperature settled at 6.4 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal.
According to station-specific data from the IMD, Palam recorded a maximum of 13.6 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 13.4 degrees, Ridge 13.8 degrees, and Ayanagar 13.1 degrees. Minimum temperatures across various stations ranged from 6.8 degrees to 7.8 degrees Celsius. The IMD indicated that a generally cloudy sky with a chance of very light to light rain on January 1 is likely due to an induced cyclonic circulation over Punjab and Haryana. If this occurs, it would be Delhi’s first rainfall of the season. Starting January 3, cold wave conditions may intensify, with minimum temperatures potentially dropping below 5 degrees Celsius.
Earlier in the day, dense to very dense fog reduced visibility to as low as 50 meters at Safdarjung and Palam during the morning hours. The IMD has warned that fog is expected to persist for the next five days. Air quality remains a significant concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 398, nearing the ‘severe’ category. Several monitoring stations have fallen into the ‘severe’ bracket due to low wind speeds and poor dispersion conditions. The dense fog has also led to the cancellation of 148 flights, impacting numerous travelers during the busy holiday season.
**Cold Conditions Persist in West Bengal**
Cold weather has settled across West Bengal, with Kolkata recording the season’s lowest minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, nearly three degrees below normal. In the sub-Himalayan districts, temperatures dipped further, with Darjeeling registering a low of 3.4 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the state. The IMD forecasts light rain or snow in the upper reaches of Darjeeling over the next three days, with the chill expected to linger in north Bengal for about a week. Foggy mornings are anticipated across the state, while south Bengal may see a gradual rise in minimum temperatures in the coming days.
**Kashmir Sees Fresh Snowfall Amid Warmer Winter**
Several higher reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Gurez, and parts of Kupwara and Baramulla districts, received fresh snowfall. Light to moderate rain or snow is expected at most locations over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of heavier snowfall in isolated higher areas. Despite the snowfall, the valley is experiencing an unusually warm winter, with night temperatures remaining 3–7 degrees above normal during the ongoing Chilla-e-Kalan, traditionally the coldest phase of the season.
**Dense Fog Alert in Jharkhand**
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog across several districts of Jharkhand, warning residents to take precautions.
**FAQ**
**What is the expected weather for Delhi on New Year’s Day?**
Delhi is forecasted to experience light rain on New Year’s Day, with cold day conditions and dense fog persisting in the region.
